Contact Us
CAREER SERVICES
career.ucf.edu
407-823-2361
career@ucf.edu
HOURS
Monday - Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
During these hours, students and alumni
are able to meet with career counselors
(by appointment), access our
comprehensive career library and attend
workshops. To schedule an appointment,
call 407-823-2361.

Career Services will help you with information and
resources to ensure that decisions you make today
lead to job satisfaction tomorrow. A staff of career
specialists will guide you through this planning process
by assisting you with:
• Identifying academic and career options

Exploring Self: Values, Interests,
Personality and Skills
To help you choose a major and career, it is important
to know yourself, first. Look at the four puzzle pieces
— your values, interests, personality and skills (VIPS) —
and consider all four aspects when making a decision.
Below are some questions to get you thinking about
your VIPS.

Values

• Gaining career-related experience

• What are your priorities?

• Developing resumes and interview skills

• What elements of your
life do you want to
remain in place for the
future?

• Searching for full-time employment
• Researching and applying to graduate or
professional schools
It is never too early to work on your professional
development plan. The more time you invest in this
process, the more likely you are to achieve your goals.

How to Choose
a Major/Career
STEP Model

S

Specify what you want
• Explore interests, personality, skills, work and
lifestyle values
• Identify known or perceived barriers

Personality
• What characteristics do
you think describe you?
• How would your friends
describe you?

Interests
• What do you enjoy
doing?
• How do you like to
spend your time?

Skills
• What do you excel in?
• What things have
you noticed that you
are naturally more
gifted in compared
to your peers?

WORKSHOP. Your VIPS Pass: Exploring Major
and Career Options. Attend this interactive
workshop to learn more about exploring
academic and career options related to your
values, interests, personality and skills (visit our
website for current dates).

• Recognize any potential ambivalence related
to decision making
Remember you are only looking for a place to start.

T

Track down information
• Learn about career opportunities and majors
by reviewing websites, such as myplan.com
• Find out about occupations of interest:
responsibilities, types of employers, salary,
and supply and demand

E

Evaluate and decide
• Evaluate options and consequences of options
• Weigh pros and cons
• Make a decision and begin moving forward

RESOURCES
What Can I Do With This Major? This resource includes
a list of potential employers and strategies designed
to maximize career opportunities. Access the Virtual
Career Center section of the Explore Majors and
Careers tab on the website.
MyPlan. Take free assessments online to determine
your values, interests, personality and skills. Access
a database that includes extensive information on
majors, colleges and careers.

Informational Interviews

RESOURCES

If you want to know what a career is really like, ask
someone already in the field. Informational interviews
are a great way to talk to people about their field while
getting the information you need to make the right
career choice.

Externship/Job Shadowing. This program is held
during the winter and spring breaks, and offers
students the opportunity to shadow an employer
in their professional area of interest. Apply early.

1. Select Individuals to Interview
First, identify a few possible occupations — then
look for people in those jobs. Ask professors, friends,
family members or past coworkers if they know
people in the field. You can also call professionals
in the field. Most professionals are happy to talk to
you about their jobs and will schedule an interview
with you.
2. Research the Organization
Knowing something about the companies will
help you develop questions and show potential
employers that you are interested in them and their
organizations.
3. Develop Questions
This is the most important step. Develop and write
down open-ended questions. Think about what is
important to you in a job. Get information about job
tasks, working conditions and career preparation.
4. Demonstrate Professionalism
• Dress appropriately. Dress the way the person you
are interviewing would dress on an important
work day.
• Arrive early. Be on time, but no more than 15
minutes ahead of your scheduled interview time.

Mentoring Program. This program provides you with
an opportunity to meet with professionals in various
career fields and gain real-world perspectives. To
access the list of professionals who have agreed
to volunteer their time to meet with UCF students,
register with KnightLink.

Orlando Business Journal/Book of Lists. This
journal provides industry-specific employer lists for
metropolitan cities across the nation that you can
use to find individuals to interview. Access the online
journal through myUCF.
LinkedIn at linkedin.com. LinkedIn is an online
professional networking site. You can use LinkedIn
to connect with professionals in any field imaginable.
You will create a profile much like an online resume.
Search for people and send messages to individuals
in your network. Consider joining groups to expand
your network even further. Search for the “UCF alumni,
faculty, staff and students” group to get you started.

CAREER COUNSELING. Meet with a Career
Counselor to discuss major and career options.
To arrange an appointment, visit the main office
or call 407-823-2361.

• At the end of the interview, thank the interviewer
for their time. A follow-up email or handwritten
note also makes a great impression.
Here are some sample questions to get you started:
• What kinds of tasks do you do in a typical
day or week?

• What do you like most about this job?

• What characteristics or qualities does a person
in this job need to have?

• Do you usually work independently or as part
of a team?

• Is your schedule flexible or set?

• What types of advancement opportunities
are available in this career?

• What emerging trends do you see in this
career field?

• How did you prepare for this career?

• What was your major? What are typical
majors for this career?

• What type of entry-level jobs does the
industry offer?

5

6

Gain Experience
While at UCF

Do you want to start your career a step ahead? Workplace
experience helps you gain the skills employers are seeking
in new employees.

Students who had internship or co-op experience
received an average salary offer nearly $7,000
more than their classmates who did not have
these experiences. –National Association of
Colleges and Employers
KnightLink
hrough the KnightLink database, students and alumni
T
can research information about employers, as well as
upload resumes, apply for part-time and full-time job
opportunities, and schedule on-campus interviews. Access
this database on our website.

1
2
3
4

GET THE MOST OUT OF YOUR
WORKPLACE EXPERIENCES

e proactive and ask to participate
B
on committees or special projects
Take initiative, ask questions and take
advantage of mentoring opportunities

Develop the best possible relationship
with your site supervisor
Observe the organization’s culture,
political climate, communication
modes and dress code

5
6

Strive for perfect attendance and
be punctual
Send a formal letter of appreciation to
your site supervisor for the opportunity

Lockheed Martin College Work
Experience Program
ockheed Martin College Work Experience Program
L
offers students an opportunity to gain professional work
experience related to their academic discipline while
maintaining full-time university enrollment. Lockheed
Martin is a Fortune 500 company and one of the U.S.
government’s largest defense contractors. For additional
information or application guidelines, visit our website.

Office of Experiential Learning
The Office of Experiential Learning (OEL) in Undergraduate
Studies assists students to include major or career-related
experience in their academic programs through co-op,
internship, and service-learning courses. Each year, more
than 20,000 UCF students benefit from participating in
these applied learning courses and employers increasingly
expect that students will gain this type of experience
during their degree programs. Students can review open
positions in the OEL online database and receive weekly
advising, referral and instruction in experiential learning
courses from OEL faculty. Drop-in hours are posted on the
website and appointments are available, if necessary. For
more information, come to CSEL 300, call 407-823-2667,
or check the website at explearning.ucf.edu.

• Student Clubs and Organizations
• Undergraduate Research
Whether the experience is paid or unpaid, short-term or
long-term, it will be worth more than the money or the
time you invest. Consider it a jump-start on your future.

The chronological resume is time-oriented and lists
employment experiences in reverse order, starting
with your most recent job. This type of resume is
typically preferred by employers and works well for
students who have had several jobs and/or experiences
showing advancement, increased responsibility and/or
progression in their field of study. See page 12 for
an example.

Functional Format
The functional format can often be more helpful for
individuals who change careers, have limited relevant
experience or have gaps in their work history. This
format focuses more on skills and knowledge and less
on prior work experience or job progression. See
page 13 for an example.

Federal Resume
When applying for federal employment, a federal
resume must be used. This format should be
more detailed regarding skills, past duties and
accomplishments. See page 14 for an example.

TIP: You may choose to write a combination resume,
which encompasses chronological and functional format
styles. For more information, contact Career Services or
attend our resume workshops.
TIP: Get your resume critiqued at Career Services
during our drop-in hours from 10 a.m.-3 p.m.,
Monday - Friday.

•U
se action verbs to start each line
(see following page for examples)

2

CONCISE

• Use one inch margins

• Keep to one page, no more than two

3

CORRECT
• Check for spelling and grammar errors

WORKSHOPS. Access the calendar of scheduled
workshops through the “events and workshops”
link on the Career Services website.
ONLINE WORKSHOPS. Access on the Career
Services website.
• Write Winning Resumes
• Cover Letters and Thank You Letters
• Write a Combination Resume

Emailing Your Resume
It is acceptable to email your resume and cover letter to
an employer; in fact, it is often preferred.
• Convert your resume and cover letter to a PDF
• Save your resume and cover letter documents using
your name (WendyWorthResume.pdf)
• Send the cover letter and resume as attachments —
your email message should be a short introductory
statement referring to your attachments

Online Applications
Most online applications go through a keyword tracking
system. When completing this form, it is important to use
keywords and terminology specific to the employer or
type of job to ensure that your application is considered.
• Follow directions, being careful to enter the correct
data in the proper fields
• Complete all fields with detailed information,
especially the “job tasks/responsibilities” sections,
even though it may be on your resume; never include
“See resume” on your application
• Use the “comments” field to demonstrate you
have researched the company or to provide additional
information about specific qualifications
or background
• Proofread your application before submitting (run
a spell check and grammar check, though they don’t
catch all mistakes)

GET YOUR RESUME SEEN
Employers may only spend 15-20 seconds
scanning your resume. So your resume should
be designed for readability.

1

2
3
4
5

Target your education, experiences and
skills at a specific employment objective
or career goal; you may need to develop
more than one version of your resume
to apply for positions requiring different
qualifications
Prioritize the order of information
to best support your employment
objective; relevant information that is
most important should be at the
top of your resume or the beginning
of a sub-category
Carefully check grammar, spelling and
punctuation to ensure the resume is
error-free — spell check and grammar
check will not catch all errors
Use present tense for current activities
and past tense for activities in which you
are no longer involved
Consider your resume an evolving
document that needs to be updated as
you develop new skills and experiences

RESUME
COMPONENTS
The following
components of a
resume are listed in the
order suggested for
new or recent college
graduates. Resumes do
not have to include all of
these components.
Heading
• Begin with your name,
address, email and a
phone number where
you can be reached
• Make sure your
voicemail and email
are professional
Objective
• Write a clear and
concise statement
about the job title or
type of position you
are targeting (optional
to include, but
recommended)
Summary of
Qualifications
• Provide a bulleted list
with descriptions or
overviews of relevant
functional skill sets,
including both hard
and soft skills
• Use keywords related
to the field or industry.
Consider incorporating
related course work by
providing descriptions
of what you learned
Education
• List all colleges in
reverse chronological
order, beginning
with the one you are
presently attending
• Include your degree,
major and certification
• Include your GPA if it
is higher than 3.0
• Consider incorporating
related course work
by providing titles of
courses you’ve taken

COUNTRY OF CITIZENSHIP: United States of America
VETERANS’ PREFERENCE: No
HIGHEST GRADE:
GS-02-07, 06/20XX-08/20XX
WORK EXPERIENCE
DEPARTMENT OF STATE (EDUCATIONAL AND CULTURAL AFFAIRS)
9/20XX – 8/20XX
Washington, DC U.S.
Grade Level: NA
Public Affairs Assistant
Hours per week: 20
Supervisor: John Smith (XXX-222-2222)
Okay to contact this Supervisor: Yes
• Supervised 10 contractors and ensured project was delivered on time and within budget
• Contacted and pitched media for program publicity resulting in four newspaper articles
and two interviews
• Researched public affairs best practices in private sector and government, resulting in five
adopted measures that improved agency performance
• Facilitated biweekly team meetings and conducted monthly diversity training
presentations for 20-30 internal staff members
• Participated in team brainstorm sessions to analyze problems and improve efficiency
DEPARTMENT OF STATE (EDUCATIONAL AND CULTURAL AFFAIRS)
9/20XX – 8/20XX
Washington, DC U.S.
Grade Level: NA
Intern
Hours per week: 20
Supervisor: John Smith (XXX-222-2222)
Okay to contact this Supervisor: Yes
• Wrote 15 articles about foreign education initiatives in Bureau newsletter and
press releases
• Drafted 20 memoranda for the Undersecretary of State
• Assembled budget information for use in Educational and Cultural Affairs
internal materials
• Assisted with administrative tasks, such as filing documents and organizing
meeting logistics
U.S. CONSULATE (DEPARTMENT OF STATE)
6/20XX – 8/20XX
Madrid, Spain
Grade Level: NA
Political and Economic Section Intern
Hours per week: 45
Supervisor: Jane Doe (XXX-111-1111)
Okay to contact this Supervisor: Yes
• Researched and wrote five regional economic and political briefs for U.S.
• Ambassador’s Madrid consulate district visits
• Compiled 10 briefs with 15 professionals in regional chambers of commerce, banks,
nongovernmental organizations, and government offices to compile briefs enabling a
shared understanding of material
• Synthesized information from external research and interviews
• Provided administrative support through sorting mail, filing documents, and answering
multi-line phone
• Utilized Spanish language skills and political and cultural knowledge in a variety of settings

FEDERAL RESUME TIPS
What are the differences between a federal and a
private-industry resume?
• Federal resumes include citizenship, veterans’
preference, social security number, supervisors,
hours and salaries
• Longer than a private industry resume (can be
up to 3-5 pages)
• Federal resumes rely heavily on keywords to
convey experience — use the language of the
job description
• Federal resumes are typically in chronological,
traditional format

Dear Ms. Leinbach:
I am forwarding my resume in response to your April 14 advertisement in the Atlanta Journal &
Constitution for a Human Resources Specialist. My interest in a position with Electronic Media, Inc.
stems from your reputation in innovative training and development programs.
In addition to having a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology with an emphasis in
Organizational Psychology, I focused on course work relevant to industrial and labor relations, along
with mediation and conflict resolution. I also completed an internship with the Human Resources
Department of ABC Enterprises, where I was able to implement a successful mentoring program
that is still in place today. The mentoring project gave me an opportunity to work with a growing
staff of emerging and seasoned professionals. This initiative resulted in a successful match for 100
percent of interested participants. Additionally, I assisted with a company-wide review and edit of
position descriptions for all technical and support staff to improve hiring and retention.
Since this position would require working with many department managers within Electronic
Media, Inc., I would also like to stress my ability to work effectively with a team. My interpersonal
communication skills, time-management skills, and enthusiasm have consistently contributed to my
success with team projects.
I would be pleased to have the opportunity to discuss my qualifications relevant to your hiring
needs during a personal interview. I can be reached at ursula.smith@email.com or at 407-555-1212.
Thank you for your consideration. I hope to hear from you in the near future.
Sincerely,

Ursula C. Smith

3 PARTS OF A COVER LETTER
1. Introduction: Why are you contacting this
person? How did you learn about the job?
Who are you? What do you know about their
organization? Do some research.
2. Body: How can you benefit them? Tell how
you are an ideal match for the job. Expand
on relevant education, skills and experience
to offer additional details not found on your
resume.
3. Conclusion: Focus on the next step: the
interview. Thank the readers for their time and
consideration. Request an interview to further
discuss your qualifications.

REFERENCES TIPS
References are always separate from the resume.
If employers request references, they should be
added as an attachment to the resume.
A reference list should include the following
information:
• Heading (same as the resume)
• Full name of reference (include Mr., Ms., or Dr.)
• Title or position
• Name and address of business/organization
• Phone number
• Email address
Generally, employers expect three to five
professional references.
•R
eferences may include former employers,
internship supervisors, faculty members, or
anyone else who would have direct knowledge
of your professional skills and qualifications
• Obtain
permission and provide references with
a copy of your resume and a summary of the
position(s) you are targeting
• Ensure reference contact information is current

17

Job Search Strategies

Start early, be realistic, and persevere. Start the job
search process early. The sooner you begin, the greater
your chance of having a job upon graduation. Peak
campus recruiting periods for spring graduates begin
the fall prior to graduation.
Looking for a job is a full-time job, so be prepared to
commit enough time to this process. Plan your time
well and keep organized records of your contacts and
employer research.

Don’t give up. Although you will receive rejections to
your applications, don’t take them personally. Realize you
may get a lot of “nos,” but you only need one “yes.”
Visit the Career Services website for more job search
websites and other resources.

STRATEGY/TOOLS

BENEFITS

CHALLENGES

TIPS

CAREER EXPOS/FAIRS
Attend career expos and fairs
sponsored by Career Services,
academic colleges and other
community groups

Opportunity to meet with a
number of recruiters in person
and in one location; build
networking contacts

Not all fields and areas of
study are equally represented;
students with very specific
career goals may benefit
from seeking field-specific or
geographically specific fairs

Plan ahead and research
companies attending; follow
up to learn about opportunities
in your area of interest;
bring resumes and dress in
appropriate business attire

May have fees associated
with the employment services
(legitimate agencies will charge
employers, not candidates)

Research each agency
before signing a contract;
talk to others who have used
employment agencies

EMPLOYER INFORMATION SESSION
Attend sessions hosted by
a variety of employers at
Career Services to discuss their
organizations
TARGETED SEARCH
Identify the types of
organizations you would like
to work for, develop a targeted
list, research the companies,
and apply directly through their
websites
JOB SEARCH ENGINES
Scan job openings on various
job search websites; most
sites allow you to identify
a career field and geographic
location
PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS
Research professional
associations related to your
career interests, as most
provide a “career opportunities”
section on their websites
EMPLOYMENT AGENCIES
Inquire whether these agencies
offer opportunities in your
career areas

18

Federal Jobs

COLLEGE COUNSELORS’ TOP TIPS FOR
STUDENTS APPLYING FOR FEDERAL JOBS
Article reprinted with permission. Baltimore, MD. (PR Web) April 24, 2014

Many students and new grads are interested in federal
employment.
About one-fourth of U.S. college students list government
as one of their top three targeted employers, according to
the 2013 Student Survey. Yet just 8.5 percent of all federal
workers are younger than 30.
In a recent Washington Post article, Tom Fox of the
Partnership for Public Service wrote that a crucial strategy
for bringing more young people in is strengthening their
understanding of the fed’s application process.
However, as the article noted, they need to be better
informed about how to apply.
The Resume Place, publisher of the Student’s Federal Career
Guide, 3rd Edition, and a certifying trainer on the federal
hiring process, recently interviewed career counselors at
two colleges. Tamara Golden at the University of California,
San Diego and Emily Gomez, M.S. at the University of North
Carolina, Chapel Hill shared tips for getting the inside edge
in the federal job market. The counselors emphasized
learning how to write the longer, more detailed federal
resume and offered other important tips.

repeatedly being designated ‘best qualified,’ but never
getting an interview,” says Golden. “The student had been
using a one-page resume, which is a big no-no.” She told
him to change to a multipage resume at the least and also
steered him to using USAJOBS’ online resume builder.
Many USAJOBS announcements even require applicants
to utilize the resume builder option only.
Draw on your student experiences to demonstrate
your skills and knowledge. Academic activities can
play an important role in showing that you have what
fed HR wants.
Class projects, presentations, papers and other academic
accomplishments can be highlighted on your resume,
along with internships and community activities. Golden
has her applicants include this info in the work section of
the resume builder. The Student’s Federal Career Guide
includes eight sample resumes showing how college
classwork and accomplishments can be addressed.
Play the card you hold in terms of veteran’s preference.
Vets get preferential scoring for their applications for
many positions. If that’s you, make sure you supply all the
needed paperwork. One exception to vet’s preference
is for scientific and professional positions at the GS-9
level or higher. The Student’s Guide includes a helpful
chart that lists these exempt positions. Golden has found
these exemptions to be helpful for her non-vet students’
applications.

Learn how to cast a wider net on www.usajobs.gov
(the U.S. government’s official job site).

Start to prepare your federal resume now — before you
need it.

Both Gomez and Golden agree that many students make
the mistake of searching for openings on USAJOBS by
the limited number of federal agencies they know. “They
don’t realize that there are a lot of similar positions and
similar agencies,” says Gomez. Instead, the counselors
recommend searching by “occupational series.” The
Student’s Federal Career Guide walks you through
determining which occupational series would fit you best.
“By searching by occupational series, you can find those
hidden gems,” advises Golden.

More and more often, fed job announcements only allow
a limited amount of time to apply. Gomez says it would
be difficult to create an outstanding federal resume if
you only have a week before the deadline. “Start to build
that fed resume today,” she advises, “and then you’ll just
have to make minimal changes based on the specific
requirements.”

Be sure you’re actually qualified before applying.
“The vacancy announcements will literally describe who will
be eligible to apply,” observes Golden. And the Student’s
Federal Career Guide explains how to understand the
complicated announcements, adding that they must be
looked at carefully. Golden recommends that you also spend
time reviewing the “Occupational Questionnaire” linked to
the announcement. If you can’t score yourself at the highest
level across most skill areas, then you won’t be qualified, she
says. Avoid “status” positions only open to current or recent
federal employees. And students interested in “Recent
Graduate” positions need to note how close to graduation
they need to be to apply.
Know that federal resumes are longer, and different,
than private-industry resumes.
You can’t just attach a private-industry resume if you
want to land a government position. Fed resumes must
be longer (3 to 5 pages) and more detailed. “Just this
afternoon, one of my students expressed frustration at

Gomez agrees that many times students have no idea
what it entails to apply for a federal position when
working on their own. “The federal government is not
going to hire you because you’re a college student or new
grad,” she points out. “They want to see that you’ve done
what’s required as described in the job description. That’s
why your resume needs to be so thorough.”
The new Student’s Federal Career Guide, 3rd edition,
by Kathryn Troutman and Paul Binkley, EdD, was just
selected as a finalist in Career for the Book of the Year
Awards! This informative 178-page guide is available in
paperback, Kindle and PDF, and it’s sold at The Resume
Place website and Amazon.com.
Online Resources:
usajobs.gov/
gogovernment.org/
tenstepsforstudents.org/

TIP: See Federal resume example on page 14

19

Networking

Article adapted from the University of West Florida Career Development
Guide, 2013-2014, with permission.

Your ability to create and foster relationships may
be your most powerful job-search strategy. According
to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, approximately
80 percent of the time, individuals find their careers
through networking.
Networking can be done anytime, anywhere — at
a coffee shop, through online social networking, at
a job fair, or in a social setting. The most important first
step in networking is to smile and be friendly. You
never know with whom you might strike up an
important conversation.

Get the Most Out of Networking
Know what you want. Knowing what you want can help
you identify new people who you should meet — people
who have applied their skills and goals to their careers.
Also, be specific about your career goals.
Be assertive. Treat it like a political campaign and do
not be afraid to promote yourself. Use your time with
new people wisely. You need to give the impression that
you’re confident.
Don’t ask for jobs. Imagine calling an individual to ask
if he/she has any jobs available. It may force the other
person to say no to you. Instead, ask for advice, and
people will be more likely to be generous with their time.
Pack your marketing material. An up-to-date resume
and networking or business cards with your contact
information are great to keep with you and will make it
easy to give people access to your information. Follow

20

up after meeting someone by making a call or sending
an email telling the person how much you enjoyed your
discussion, and never forget to say, “Thank you.”
Don’t forget your current network. Your current network
is comprised of family members, friends, teachers,
coaches, pastors and community members that can be
great resources — both as advocates and advisors.
Use social media as a networking tool. Social media is
a great tool to begin your professional networking. Once
you have connected with someone through social media,
try to connect face-to-face. Employers are actively
utilizing social media to recruit and hire; therefore social
media is an essential networking tool.

WORKSHOPS. Access the calendar of scheduled
workshops through the “events and workshops”
link on the Career Services website.
• Networking Strategies
• Social Networking Strategies
• Preparing for Career Expos
ORLANDO BUSINESS JOURNAL BOOK OF LISTS.
Provides local business news and industry-specific
employer lists for metropolitan cities across
the country. Access the online journal through
myUCF.

Strategies for Networking With Faculty
• Visit regularly during the semester (appointments
or scheduled office hours)
• Attend departmental events and socials
• Volunteer or apply to work on research projects
with faculty
• Ask faculty to review or provide feedback on your
relevant projects

• Volunteer to serve on a departmental or university
committee

Social Networking — Another Option
for Making Connections
Social networking can be used to locate and connect with
people from a variety of different fields and occupations.
This can be helpful in arranging informational interviews
or researching job opportunities within a company.
Do not underestimate the importance of using social
networking. Always be professional when networking,
whether it is in person or online.

TIP: Promote, don’t demote! When you post a status update
or a picture on Facebook or Twitter, you are sending it
out into the world. Be sure you are sending the image of
yourself you want to display.

Open and Hidden Job Markets
GENERAL PUBLIC

REFERRALS

DECISION
MAKER
Job seeker directly
known to
decision maker

Job seeker indirectly
known to decision maker

Job seeker unknown
to decision maker

Open Job Market: Includes positions announced
to the general public.
Hidden Job Market: Includes positions that may
not be announced to the general public.

RESOURCES
LinkedIn at linkedin.com
Linkedin is an online professional networking site.
You can use LinkedIn to connect with professionals in
any field imaginable. You will create a profile much like
an online resume. Search for people and send messages
to individuals in your network. Consider joining groups
to expand your network even further. Search for the
“UCF alumni, faculty, staff and students” group to
get started.
KnightLink Mentor Database at career.ucf.edu
• The mentor database in KnightLink includes
professionals in a variety of fields who have all agreed
to be mentors to UCF students and alumni.
• This is a great opportunity to network with someone
in your major/career field.
• Access the KnightLink Mentor Database under the
“Networking” tab.
• Click on the individual’s name that you would like to
speak with to view their email address.

21

Career Expos — Network with Employers
Career Services offers three career expos each year
to give students the opportunity to meet with large
numbers of potential employers. These campuswide
expos are attended by companies and organizations
representing broad areas of business, industry,
government and nonprofit.

How to Make the Career Expo Work for You
Before the Expo:

ppAttend workshops and events sponsored by Career
Services that are focused on resume writing,
interviewing and preparing for the expo
ppDevelop a professional resume targeting the types
of employment you are seeking — this may require
several versions of your resume with different
career objectives
ppRegister with KnightLink and upload your resume —
many of the employers use this system for
scheduling interviews
ppEmployers expect you to take the time to learn about
what they do and the types of positions they offer,
so research companies of interest
ppHave a business suit or professional clothing ready
for the day of the expo — business or professional
attire is required to participate in these events
(refer to page 25 for examples)
ppPrepare a one-minute infomercial about your
employment goals and qualifications
During the Expo:
ppArrive early. If you come during the last 30 minutes
of the expo, you will limit your number of contacts
ppStart with the employers you are most interested in
meeting (If you are apprehensive about introductions
and want to practice, start with an employer that is
not your top choice)
ppAs you stand in line, respect others’ privacy as they
complete their conversations
ppPresent a confident, professional image when
approaching employers — establish eye contact,
smile, present a firm handshake and introduce
yourself using your one-minute infomercial
ppAsk questions to show interest
ppCollect business cards and literature from companies
that interest you

QUESTIONS TO ASK EMPLOYERS:
•W
hat opportunities exist with your company
for someone with my major and experience?
•W
hat are typical career paths for new
employees in your organization?
• What qualities do you look for in a candidate?

TIP: Ask specific questions that show your research on
the company.

WHEN YOU WALK UP TO AN
EMPLOYER’S INFO TABLE
Develop a one-minute infomercial to help organize
your thoughts and start a conversation. Prepare,
but don’t sound rehearsed. Speak naturally. The
better prepared you are, the more confident you
will be.
The infomercial should include:
• Self-introduction
• Brief summary of your academic program
• Related experience and skills
• Employment goal
•R
easons you are interested in this company
or organization
Infomercial Example:
“I’ll be receiving my B.S. in Hospitality Management
in May from the University of Central Florida, and
I‘ve been working in the services industry for more
than eight years, including hotels, private clubs
and restaurants.
This past summer, I worked as a concierge for the
Ritz–Carlton Grand Lakes, which has been named
best in brand for service in the U.S.
I’m currently seeking a front-desk manager
position in the Orlando area with a full-service
hotel, where I can contribute my service and
managerial skills.”

ppTake a few moments after each meeting to jot down
notes about the company and positions
After the Expo:
ppSend a follow-up note or email to the employers
you spoke with to thank them for their time and
information. Tailor your thank you note to the
conversation you had with the employer.
ppFollow up with potential employers by completing
applications and/or checking for on-campus
interview options through KnightLink

22

TIP: Some employers may not be actively recruiting at the
expo or may direct you to apply online. Keep in mind that
the expo is an excellent place to network with and meet
employers.

Glenn Hubbard, American economist and former
chairman of the U.S. Council of Economic Advisers,
networks with students after his presentation at UCF.

Connect Your Experience —
Demonstrate Your Value to Employers

On-campus Recruiting
Employer Information Sessions

Employers frequently conduct information sessions to
inform students about employment opportunities within
their organizations. Company information sessions are
advertised on the Career Services website, KnightLink,
and via emails.

Employers want to know how you can add value to their
organization. When job searching, determine how your
background overlaps the needs of the employer. How
do your education, skills and experiences relate to your
ability to perform this job? These skills and traits can be
acquired through classes, jobs, volunteering, internships,
cooperative education and involvement with student
organizations, study-abroad programs and more.

Do you have any of these transferable skills?

Active participation in information sessions is an effective
strategy to become noticed by employer representatives.
These sessions help students better understand an
organization and its culture. Additionally, information
sessions are an excellent way to network and make
connections with company representatives. Professional
attire is encouraged.

Students are encouraged to take advantage of interviews
with leading employers who recruit at UCF.

• Marketing

• Use KnightLink to seek interviews and register

• Managing

•R
eview applications and procedures before picking
a date and time

• Problem solving

• If cancelling, you must provide two business
days’ notice

• Multi-tasking
• Crisis management
• Scheduling

Missing an interview without notification will result in
suspension of access to KnightLink. Need help signing
up? Call Career Services at 407-823-2361.

• Designing

Types of Employer On-campus Interviews

• Technology

WORKSHOPS. Access the calendar of scheduled
workshops through the “events and workshops”
link on the Career Services website.
•S
ocial Networking Strategies
• Job-Search Strategies
ONLINE WORKSHOPS. Access through the
Career Services website.
• Conduct Career Research

1. Open: Any student meeting the employers’ criteria
can sign up for interviews

2. Pre-Select: Students who meet qualifying
criteria may submit resumes for consideration
via KnightLink. Employers then pre-approve the
candidates they would like to interview
3. Reservation Only: Employers manage their own
interview schedules, frequently identifying interview
candidates at Career Expos, company information
sessions, and from the KnightLink Resume Book
(under privacy settings)

• Strategize for the Job Search

23

Prepare for the
Interview

The interview provides the opportunity for face-toface communication and interaction to determine
the fit between the job candidate and the position
requirements.

WORKSHOPS. Access the calendar of scheduled
workshops through the “events and workshops”
link on the Career Services website.
• Successful Interviewing
• Employer Practice Interview Program
ONLINE WORKSHOPS. Access through the
Career Services website.
• Interview Workshops

Types of Interviews
Screening Interview

This interview is used to verify the candidate’s
qualifications for the position and to establish a
preliminary impression of the candidate’s attitude,
interest and degree of professionalism. At this stage,
the goal is to select candidates to meet with the
decision-maker.
Employers are increasingly searching for ways to
save time and money. Telephone or Skype screening
interviews are becoming a common practice.
Telephone Interview Tips
Before the Interview:
• Approach this process as if you were in a face-toface interview
• Arrange to interview in a quiet place where there are
no distractions (roommates, pets, etc.)
• When setting up the interview, learn as much as
possible about the interview format and interviewers
to better prepare
• At a desk or table, have a notepad, pen and support
material available (resume, company research notes,
prepared questions, etc.)
During the Interview:
• When interviewers are introduced, write their names
down to use when responding to questions and
sending thank you notes
• Write down key words or phrases to ensure that you
answer all parts of each question
• Think about the question and your response before
answering — if you need to process your thoughts for
a few moments, let the committee know that you are
thinking about the question to effectively deal with
the brief silence

24

•A
nswer questions fully, but do not ramble — if the
interviewers are silent after your response, you may
have to signal you are finished — don’t allow their
silence to unnecessarily extend your answer
•B
e especially attentive to voice quality — speak
loudly since you may be on a speaker phone, convey
confidence and communicate enthusiasm
•T
hank the interviewers for their time during the
closing of the interview

Selection Interview

Conducted by the decision-maker, the purpose of this
interview is to explore the candidate’s qualifications and
to access the comfort level with which the candidate
might establish working relationships. Your ability to
connect with the employer and present yourself as the
right person for the position is critical. There may be
numerous interviews at this stage. As the number of
candidates is reduced, you may be invited back to speak
with the same person and/or with other managers or
members of the work group.
Even if there is only one decision-maker, the opinions
of the others will be sought and will probably have an
effect on the outcome. When you are invited to interview
with a number of people, it is important that you present
yourself effectively to each one of them. Remember, they
will be evaluating your skills along with your ability to fit
in with the organization.

Employer Practice Interview Program
This program provides UCF students with an opportunity
to practice their interview skills and receive direct
feedback from our employer partners. The practice
interviews are 30 minutes in length, and 10 minutes will
be dedicated to feedback. Professional dress is required.
Sign up at KnightLink.
Students participating in Career Services coordinated
practice interviews will learn about:
• Pre-interview preparation
• Suitable attire
• Appropriate interview materials
• Communicating skills, knowledge and experiences
• The question-and-answer process
• Interview follow-up

Interview Preparation

During the Interview

It is not easy to articulate your strong points to an
interviewer if you cannot articulate them to yourself.
Be sure you can discuss your related skills, training,
experience, education and career goals. A common
reason employers reject applicants is their inability to
convey strengths and how they can add value to the
organization.

•A
rrive at least 15 minutes early to park and locate
your check-in area, as well as to allow time to relax
before the interview

TIP: List your strongest skills with examples of how you
have demonstrated each of them. Be prepared to share
details of the experiences during which you used those skills.

•R
emember: the moment you arrive on site, you are
being evaluated

Do Your Research
Thoroughly research each employer with whom you have
an interview to familiarize yourself with product lines,
services offered and growth prospects.
Possible Research Resources Include:
• Company websites — most organizations have a
wealth of information about their history, structure,
locations, products or services available on
their websites
• Career Insider (access on the Career Services
website)
• CareerShift (access on the Career Services website)
• Career Services Employer Information Sessions

•L
earn the interviewer’s name in advance and greet
the interviewer by name with a firm handshake. If
you have sweaty palms, you should subtly wipe them
prior to shaking hands

•B
e aware that you are being evaluated on your
communication and interpersonal skills
•M
ake sure you have a clear understanding
of the position and the company; if not, ask clarifying
questions
•S
tructure your answers to be specific, concrete and
detailed when discussing your qualifications
• Be yourself — let the interviewer get to know you
•C
onsider offering examples of your work
(e.g., a portfolio) that will demonstrate your
accomplishments
•B
e prepared to leave copies of your resume,
transcripts and reference letters

Most employers use behavioral-based questions on
the premise that the most accurate predictor of future
performance is based on past performance in a similar
situation. Behavioral-based questions provide employers
with more objective information about a candidate than
any other type of question.

Dress for the Interview
It is important that you wear professional business attire,
unless you are specifically instructed otherwise (such
as an environmental studies position where you may
interview in the field).
What to Wear
FOR WOMEN

Sample Question: Describe a time when you “went the
extra mile” to help a customer.
The STAR technique offers a three-step process for
answering behavioral-based questions:
1. Situation or Task: Describe a challenge you faced
similar to the example posed by the interviewer

Conservative suit

2. Action: Explain the actions you took to resolve
the situation

Light-colored blouse (avoid
lace, ruffles and shiny fabrics)

3. Result: Detail the benefit or positive outcome that
came from your initiatives

• Tell me about yourself.
Use a “one-minute infomercial” that gives an
introduction to who you are, why you are interested in
the position, and why you’re an ideal candidate. You
may want to highlight your education and experience
and briefly discuss your professional goals.

Various federal, state and local laws regulate the
questions that an employer can ask job candidates.
An employer’s questions — whether on the job
application, in the interview, or during the testing process
— must be related to the job you’re seeking. For the
employer, the focus must be: “What do I need to know to
decide whether this person can perform the functions of
this job?”

• Why are you interested in this position?
The employer is looking to determine your potential
“fit” within their organization. Understand the
responsibilities of the job for which you are interviewing
and relate your skills to them. Discuss aspects of this
job that make it ideal for you, and highlight your desire
to work within the company’s culture, as well as in the
specific role.
• Where do you see yourself in five years?
Provide a meaningful and realistic vision, and explain
how your vision will motivate you to achieve a personal,
professional and academic goal. Ensure that your
example aligns with the organization’s interests.
• What is your greatest strength/weakness?
For strength, highlight a proven skill and relate how it
is important to the role you are seeking. Be proud, not
arrogant. For a weakness, talk about a skill you would
like to develop and share an example of how you are
already working on strengthening this area.
• How have you handled a difficult working
relationship?
Describe the difficult relationship (be sure to keep
a positive attitude), explain how you handled the
relationship, and talk about what you learned from the
experience. How did it help you understand diverse
working styles?

Samples of Illegal Questions
• What is your age or date of birth?
•H
ave you ever been arrested? (An employer has the
right to ask if you’ve been convicted of certain crimes
for certain jobs; however, it is illegal to ask questions
about arrests.)
•H
ow many children do you have? What are their
ages? Have you made child-care arrangements?
• What is your race, religion or national origin?
• Do you own your own home?
• What is/was your spouse’s name or line of work?
•D
o you have physical impairments that would
prevent you from performing the job?
• Is there any health-related reason you may not be
able to perform the job?
• Are you taking any prescribed drugs?
•H
ave you ever been treated for drug addiction
or alcoholism?
If You Are Asked an Illegal Question, You Have
Three Options:

• How would your supervisor describe you?
Provide examples demonstrating that you have the
skills and personal traits that match the organization’s
values and culture.

1. You can answer the question. However, if you choose
to answer illegal questions, you may be giving
information that could unfairly reduce your chances
of getting the job.

• Do you have any questions for us?
Always have questions prepared for the interviewer
in advance that demonstrate a genuine interest in
the organization, as well as show that you have done
your research.

2. You can refuse to answer the question, which is well
within your rights. Unfortunately, depending on how
you phrase your refusal, you run the risk of coming
off as uncooperative or confrontational.

Deal-breaker: Employers who recruit at UCF stated
that students who don’t ask questions at the end of the
interview, typically are not considered for the position.
• Questions May Include:
• What are the three most important attributes for
success in this position?
• What are some of the challenges with this position?
• What professional development opportunities
are available?
• When can I expect to hear from you regarding your
hiring decision?
For more sample interview questions, visit the Career
Services website.

26

3. You can examine the question for its intent and
respond with an answer that would apply to the
job. For example, you are discussing travel. The
interviewer asks, “Do you have young children?” You
might answer, “I understand this position requires
various shifts. I can meet the responsibilities of this
position.”

Interview Follow-up
Always send a thank you email, card or letter to the
employer within 24 hours, indicating your appreciation
for the interview and your interest in the position.
Follow up with a phone call to the employer in one
to two weeks (or employer’s designated time period)
to check on the status of the hiring decision.

Sample Thank You Letter

Dear Ms. Smith:
Thank you very much for interviewing me yesterday for the associate editor position. I enjoyed
meeting you and learning more about your publications.
My enthusiasm for the position and my interest in working for Atlantic Publishing were
strengthened as a result of the interview. My technical writing skills, along with my internship
experiences with copy editing and reviewing proofs, would allow me to make a significant
contribution to your expanding Editing Department.
I want to reiterate my strong interest in the position and in working with you and your staff.
You provide the kind of opportunity I seek. Please feel free to contact me at 407-823-1234 or
iknight@knightsmail.ucf.edu if I can provide you with any additional information.
Again, thank you for the interview and your consideration.
Sincerely,
Ima Knight

THANK YOU LETTER TIPS
In addition to expressing appreciation, the thank
you letter should highlight positive aspects of
the interview and reiterate your interest in the
position. This is also a good way to include
information you may have forgotten to discuss
in the interview that you think is important for
the hiring decision.
This letter may be emailed or handwritten,
depending on how quickly a decision will
be made.
Also, keep in mind the culture of the company.
For example, if youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re interviewing with an
environmentally conscious company, an emailed
thank you letter would likely be viewed more
positively.

27

Weigh the Job Offer

Before you accept or decline the offer, you should weigh
the decision. In addition to salary, there are many other
factors to consider in your decision. Develop your own
list of criteria in order of importance.
Areas to consider may include:
Company
• Is the company growing or downsizing?

Negotiate Salary and Benefits
When evaluating job offers, pay attention to the
benefits offered by each employer. A good benefits
package can add up to 30 percent of your overall
compensation.

• Does the company have a high retention rate?
• Does the management team support employee
development?
Position
• Are the job responsibilities consistent with your goals
and expectations?
• Can this position lead to future opportunities?
Environment
• Does the company demonstrate a positive work
environment (high employee morale)?
• Is the level of formality/informality consistent with
your needs?
• Does communication within the organization appear
valued and effective?

You should enter a negotiation with a clear idea of what
is important to you. Rather than trying to negotiate every
possible benefit, identify those that are critical to your
acceptance of an offer and make those needs known
early in the negotiation process.
Knowing your value in the marketplace is the best way
to ensure you are getting what you are worth. Reliable
information pertaining to your market value will make
you less likely to accept unreasonably low offers or
expect unrealistically high offers. Check out Salary.com
to get information about market value.
Avoid discussing salary and benefits during the interview,
unless the employer brings it up first. If you are pressed for
an answer, refer to your research and quote a salary range.
The bottom line is, you have more negotiation power once
you know the employer is interested in hiring you.

First Year on the Job:
How to be Successful

Treat your professional “launch year” as the transition
period it is. Professional etiquette is of great importance
in the workplace and will get you off to a good start.
Understand Organizational Culture
Identify the expected ways of interacting within
the organization (company politics, formalities,
confidentiality issues and communication modes).

Build Effective Relationships
Understand the benefits of good working relationships
with co-workers and supervisors. Being a team player
means learning to share successes, becoming less
competitive and possessive about your ideas, and being
open to other viewpoints.
•A
lign yourself with positive individuals who have
good reputations within the organization
•T
ake the time to understand how each member of
the team functions and how their daily tasks connect
with yours

Positive Work Behaviors
• Review the employee handbook or any written
policies

•T
ake advantage of structured mentoring programs if
they are available or seek out experienced colleagues
who have expressed an interest in helping you

Master the Tasks for Your Position
Identify skills you need to improve, seek out options
for improving them, and develop a timeline for
accomplishing this.

• Be attentive to personal hygiene and grooming
• Use courteous and proper language when
communicating verbally or through email
• M
aintain a professional demeanor at after-hour events,
such as happy hour, holiday parties or sporting events
• Demonstrate a positive attitude and a strong
work ethic
• Display a readiness to learn and ask questions to
understand how and why things are done in the
organization

•E
stablish short-term, intermediate and long-term
goals to help you gain acceptance, respect and
credibility during your first year in the workplace.
Talk with your supervisor to ensure your goals fit
within the organization’s mission and goals.
•T
ake advantage of any training opportunities
provided to enhance your professional development
•D
emonstrate commitment by volunteering for
projects and putting in extra time to learn your tasks

• Demonstrate teamwork by helping colleagues do
whatever needs to be done
• Respect other people’s time by adhering to schedules
and being punctual
• Display appropriateness when decorating your work
area — ensure you are not offending others
• Clean up after yourself, so shared work spaces remain
clean for others

There are myriad resources available for U.S. Military
Veterans including career assistance, education and jobsearch strategy. See below for a list of special resources
for this population. Our on-campus support for veterans
is the Veterans Academic Resource Center (VARC), a
one-stop solution for student veteran needs. You can
visit them at varc.sdes.ucf.edu.

American higher education continues to experience rapid
racial and ethnic diversification. In order to address this
racially diverse student body, below is a list of careerrelated resources specific to this population.

Resources for Students of Multicultural
Backgrounds
• The Black Collegian, a career site for students and
professionals of color, features, general information
on college life, and news about what’s happening on
college campuses today. BlackCollegian.com
• Asian Professional Exchange provides an opportunity
for Asian Pacific Americans to develop, refine, and
achieve their full potential as future community and
corporate leaders. APEX.org
• Black Career Women, founded in 1977, addresses
the needs of black women in the workforce.
BCWNetwork.com
• iHispano is a leading career site for Hispanic and
bilingual/bicultural professionals. iHispano.com
• CareerCross Japan provides resources and
information for jobs in Japan and Japanese-related
positions overseas, plus an in-depth look at living and
working in Japan, job hunting tips, forums and much
more. careercross.com
• Job Latino allows job seekers to post their resumes;
learn about the fastest growing occupations, read
interview tips, review job-search techniques, study
tips about body language during job interviews and
more. JobLatino.com

• NativeWeb lists positions in the administrative/
clerical, home business and law enforcement areas
nationwide. Nativeweb.org
• Saludos Hispanos strives to be the conduit between
applicants and employers with the objective of
reflecting the diversity in today’s population in the
workplace. Excellent introductions
in their Career Guide section. Saludos.com

General Resources
• The Riley Guide Minority Resources provides
resources specifically set up to meet the needs or
address the interests of various groups, such as
women, persons of varied nationalities or ethnic
backgrounds. RileyGuide.com/Diverse
• Equal Opportunity Publication assists job-seekers
in underrepresented groups with finding employment,
and aids companies and government agencies that
are eager to recruit from the diversified workforce.
EOP.com
• IMDiversity provides career and self-development
information to all minorities, specifically AfricanAmericans, Asian-Americans, Hispanic Americans
and Native Americans. IMDiversity.com
• Minority Affairs provides an up-to-date database of
companies seeking minority applicants. The site can
also be used to research the background, practices
and policies of these companies. MinorityAffairs.com
• Diversity Search is a career portal for minorities,
females and others. DiversitySearch.com
• Minority Professional Network helps minority
professionals find positions that best suit their
interests, aptitudes and needs. Job seekers have free,
instant access to thousands of positions nationwide.
MPNdiversityjobs.com

• Native American Jobs is dedicated to being your link
to indigenous employment, career-minded individuals
looking for employment and careers in Native
American Communities, on or near Indian Reservations
and Urban Native American communities with
employers. NativeAmericanJobs.com

31

LGBTQ Internship
and Job Seekers

Article written by Riley Folds from Out for Work and used with permission.

There are millions of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender
and queer (LGBTQ) job seekers struggling to find
careers due in part because of their sexual orientation
and gender identity. While the workplace is progressing,
queer employees continue to be discriminated against.
As a student transitioning from academia to the
workplace, you may be surprised to learn some of the
challenges and problems queer individuals have faced.
Most academic environments pride themselves on
being LGBTQ inclusive. You may feel safe being and
expressing who you are in such an environment. The
workplace is not academia, and being educated and
prepared is imperative when looking for an internship
or job. This article outlines four easy tips that can
help you make better-informed decisions and excel
professionally; know yourself, know the organization,
know the law, know your options.

32

Four Tips
1.

Know yourself.
Self-assessment is a great place to start when
looking for an internship or job, regardless of your
sexual orientation or gender identity. Take the
opportunity to think about your skills, abilities and
values. How have these been impacted by your
sexual orientation/gender identity? For example,
do you value a diverse workforce? This may have
been influenced by the fact that as an individual
that identifies as LGBTQ, you place high importance
on equality and multiculturalism. Do you have the
ability to quickly adapt to different environments?
This could be a result of the need to fit into different
queer-inclusive and non-queer-inclusive situations
you have experienced personally. Also consider
if you will only apply to organizations that have
LGBTQ-inclusive policies/benefits and supports
the LGBTQ community through philanthropic efforts;
or are you willing to work for any organization
regardless of having such policies and benefits?
If so, will you act as a change agent within the
organization or work within the status quo?
Thinking about and answering these questions
can help narrow the organizational search in your
overall internship/job strategy.

2.

Know the organization.
Is the organization you want to intern or work at
LGBTQ-inclusive? You can do some investigating.
You can often find most of this information on the
organization’s website and/or in the job posting.
First, review the organization’s employment
non-discrimination policy. Does it include sexual
orientation and gender identity? Does the
organization offer domestic partner benefits?
Are they included on any LGBTQ best places to
work lists? Does the organization have an LGBTQ
employee resource group (ERG)? These are just
a sample of the questions to use in your search.
Affirmative answers to these questions would
indicate that the organization is committed to
diversity, including LGBTQ employees. Another
way to know if the organization is LGBTQinclusive is to find current employees and ask
them about the office vibe. Do they know other
out and open employees? Have they ever heard
of any LGBTQ employees being harassed or called
derogatory names? If you don’t know anyone at
the organization, try connecting to somebody
at a networking event or on a professional social
networking website such as LinkedIn.

3.

Know the law.
Due to the fact that the U.S. Congress has not
passed the Employment Non-Discrimination Act
(ENDA) since it was first introduced in 1994, selected
States and municipalities have incorporated their
own policies. ENDA would prohibit employment
discrimination at all levels; hiring, promotion,
compensation, etc. based on sexual orientation
and/or gender identity at the federal level. It should
be noted that ENDA is a base law, which means it
does not provide special rights to LGBTQ individuals
in the workplace; it only levels the playing field.
Currently only California, Colorado, Connecticut,
District of Columbia, Delaware, Illinois, Iowa,
Massachusetts, Maine, Minnesota, New Jersey, New
Mexico, Nevada, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont and
Washington have laws that prohibit based on sexual
orientation and gender identity. It is recommended
that you investigate the local and state laws in
which you work. Knowing if the state offers nondiscrimination protection can help you if you feel
that you have been discriminated because of your
sexual orientation or gender identity during the
hiring or on-boarding process.

4.

Know your options.
Being out and open in the workplace is your choice.
Your decision may be impacted by where you are
in your queer identity formation personally. Just as
you may only be out to a selected group of friends
or family members, you may decide only to share
this information with only other colleagues on your
team and your direct supervisor. Or you may decide
to be out to everyone. Why is your sexual orientation
or gender identity a part of the work environment?
Consider the fact that most employees spend a
majority of their waking hours at work and form
strong bonds with colleagues. A simple question
such as “what did you do over the weekend?” can
open the door to discussion. Or putting a picture

of a significant other on your desk can identify you
as a queer employee. If you do decide to come out,
there’s no need to march in with a rainbow flag.
You may want to make a more natural approach.
If you choose not to come out, it is suggested
that you make a conscious decision not to let it
hinder your exchange with others or participation
in informal networking and meetings. Isolation can
cause relationships between colleagues to not form
to their fullest. In addition, productivity and selfworth could be impacted negatively if a prolonged
period of isolation occurs.
You are a proud, independent LGBTQ person with an
outstanding career ahead of you. Applying these tips will
help you choose an organization wisely and allow you to
be the best intern or employee you can be. Your sexual
orientation or gender identity may affect how people
treat you in the workplace, but if you are true to yourself,
you can smash through the discrimination and prejudices
some people still hold.
Additional resources can be found in Your Queer Career:
The Ultimate Career Guide for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and
Transgender Job Seekers.

Online Resources
Access online resources for job searching, learning about
legal issues, and much more at career.ucf.edu/resources.

33

Students with Disabilities
Career Services can provide assistance and educate
students in the following areas:

• Career exploration of interests, strengths and
limitations as they relate to academic opportunities
and occupational requirements

• How to request accommodations and resources
necessary for professional development and success

• Understanding the risks and benefits of disclosing
disability status to employers

In order to keep the focus on your abilities when
marketing your education, skills and experience to
prospective employers, it may be helpful to understand
the risks and benefits of disclosing disability status
to employers at key points in the job search. It’s your
choice when you decide to disclose. The following table
provides advantages and disadvantages for each time
of disclosure.

Disclosure Options for Job Search
TIME OF DISCLOSURE

ADVANTAGES

DISADVANTAGES

ISSUES

On resume or application

Honesty and peace of mind;
allows employers to decide if
disability is an issue

Might disqualify you
with no opportunity to
present yourself and your
qualifications

You may have a harder time
finding work, but you are less
likely to have any disabilityrelated issues after hire

During employer call to
arrange an interview

Honesty and peace of mind;
reduces “shock value” upon
initial meeting

May not get an interview or
receive serious consideration
during interview

Without “shock value,”
employer may feel more
comfortable

During initial meeting at
interview

Demonstrates positive
self-perception to employer

“Shock value” may distract
employer

May have to refocus employer

During the interview

Offers you the opportunity to
respond briefly and positively
in person to specific disability
issue — discrimination is less
likely face-to-face

Responsibility is on you to
discuss a disability issue in a
clear, non-threatening way.
Too much emphasis on the
issue may suggest a possible
problem and you may not be
evaluated on your abilities.

A positive outcome may
depend on how comfortable
you are discussing your
disability (without being
pre-occupied with it)

After the interview but prior
to an offer

Letting employer know prior
to making an offer may
convey honesty

Employer may feel you have
been less than honest by
waiting this long. This could
lessen the chance of getting
an offer.

If you require
accommodations, you may
need to consider disclosing
at this point

After receiving a formal offer,
but prior to accepting it

If the disability disclosure
changes the hiring decision,
there is legal recourse

Employer may feel you should
have disclosed disability
before hiring decision was
made and could lead to
distrust if hired

You may need to evaluate
your disability and explain
that it will not interfere with
your ability to perform the
job functions

After you begin the job

You have the opportunity
to prove yourself on the
job and demonstrate your
value; if disclosure affects
employment status (but not
your ability to perform the
job), you may be protected
by law

Possible discomfort on the
job with supervisors and
co-workers and possible
employer accusations of
falsifying your application

The longer you put off
disclosing, the more difficult
it becomes

After experiencing a problem
on the job

You have the opportunity to
prove yourself on the job and
demonstrate your value

Possible employer
accusations of falsifying
your application; may have
prevented accommodations
that could have helped to
avoid problems

Relationships with
co-workers may be affected if
they feel you have not
been truthful — leading to
difficulty reestablishing trust

Never

Avoidance of potential for
a negative response from
employer

If disability affects work
performance, you may be
dismissed and have no legal
recourse

If you are sure your
disability will not affect job
performance, the issue of
disclosure becomes less
critical
Adapted from Witt, M.A. 1992

34

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
• Student Disability Services advises students to
learn about accommodations and helpful resources
available for UCF students. sds.sdes.ucf.edu
• Ask JAN (Job Accomodation Network) answers
questions about workplace accommodations and the
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). askjan.org
• Career Opportunities for Students with Disabilities
(COSD) is a unique and dynamic national professional
association comprised of more than 600 colleges
and universities and more than 500 major national
employers. COSD’s mission is to improve the
employment rate of college students and recent
graduates with disabilities. cosdonline.org
• We Connect Now is dedicated to uniting college
students with disabilities in access to higher
education and employment issues. weconnectnow.
wordpress.com
• Florida Division of Vocational Rehabilitation is a
federal/state program that helps people who have
physical or mental disabilities get or keep a job.
rehabworks.org

• Two 6 Resources, Inc. is designed to promote
inclusion and diversity in the workforce through
the employment of individuals with disabilities.
two6resources.org
• Equal Opportunity Publications has led the way
in diversity recruitment with a portfolio of seven
national career magazines, a diversity website,
online job board and career expos for people with
disabilities. eop.com

35

Students Seeking
International
Opportunities

Our world is becoming a more global marketplace.
Employers and graduate school recruiters know the
importance of cross-cultural understanding and have an
appreciation for different points of view. They gravitate
toward students who demonstrate adaptability, maturity,
initiative and creativity. All of these qualities can be
demonstrated through international experience.
Tips:
• Identify international academic programs and
specific courses of interest
• Join international clubs and organizations

International Students
and the Job Search

Career Services can help international students with
academic and career planning, as well as employmentreadiness skills. The university’s International Services
Center is knowledgeable about the legal requirements
associated with employment in the United States and
can assist you with information. They will also be able
to help you with questions regarding when to disclose
international status. Visit their website at intl.ucf.edu.

QUALITIES FOR INTERNATIONAL
STUDENTS TO PROMOTE
WITH EMPLOYERS

• Attend study-abroad fairs and participate in studyabroad programs

1. Cross-cultural communication skills

• Develop foreign language and cultural skills

2. C
ultural awareness

• Network with faculty and advisors

3. E
xpanded world view

• Research work permits and travel documents

4. F
oreign language skills

• Research international organizations and employers

5. P
roblem-solving skills
6. A
daptability

GOING GLOBAL. Provides country-specific
information and has more than 80,000 resources
for finding employment at home and abroad.
Updated daily, this resource includes worldwide
internship and job postings, H1B employer
listings, corporate profiles and career resources
for numerous countries. Access this resource at
career.ucf.edu.

36

Is Graduate School
in Your Plan?

• Do you have clear career goals? Is a graduate degree
required in your area of interest?
• Will a graduate degree make you more competitive
within your field of interest?
• How will a graduate degree impact your career
advancement?

Advantages of Working First and Going
to Graduate School Later
• Clarify your career goals and decide on the graduate
program that is best for you
• Bring a real-world perspective to the classroom
• Obtain relevant work experience to strengthen your
graduate school candidacy

Advantages of Going to School First and
Working Later

• Will a graduate degree impact your earning
potential?

• Gain entry to careers that require an advanced
degree even for “entry-level” positions

• Are you a lifelong learner who simply has an interest
in enhancing your knowledge?

• Receive grants, scholarships or assistantships that will
help pay for your education

• Are you considering changing careers and feel that
a graduate degree will ease your transition?

• Maintain the momentum of being a student

• When is the best time to enroll in graduate school?
• Deciding the best time to apply for graduate school
can be difficult. Is it better to attend graduate school
immediately after completing a bachelor’s degree,
or is it better to wait a few years and gain work
experience?

Advantages of Working and Going to
School Simultaneously
• Apply what you learn in school to the workplace and
vice versa
• Be more marketable with an advanced degree and
relevant experience
• Advance your career with a graduate degree
• Take advantage of employer tuition assistance programs

37

Choosing and Applying for the Graduate
Program that is Right for You
Three to six months prior to applying
• Assess educational goals, career direction, financial
resources, etc.
• Meet with selected faculty/career counselor to discuss
application requirements
• Begin researching specific programs
• Review the Peterson’s Guide to Graduate Programs,
which contains admission requirements, acceptance
rates and descriptions of most accredited programs
• Check out the Web links for graduate and professional
schools on this handout
• Register and prepare for appropriate graduate
admission tests
• Investigate national scholarships
• If appropriate, obtain letters of recommendation

Three months prior to applying
• Write to targeted programs requesting application
materials, course catalogue and financial aid
information
• Prioritize choice of programs
• Begin drafting essays for applications; work with
a faculty member and career counselor to critique
responses
• Research and apply for financial aid
• Check on application deadlines and rolling admissions
policies
• Take required admissions test(s)
• Request letters of recommendation from faculty,
advisors and former employers

Fall, a year before beginning graduate
program (assuming a fall program start)
• Complete applications (note each application deadline
and allow yourself plenty of time to thoroughly
complete all forms)
• Collect recommendations from writers, or if the letter
is confidential, check with destination schools to
ensure timely completion of letters (one month lead
time for reference writers)
• Take admissions test(s) if you haven’t already
• Proof your application materials
• Make a copy of your application for your records
before mailing
• Send in completed applications
• Request transcripts to be sent from UCF Registrar
(you may want to wait for your fall grades before
requesting your transcripts to be mailed) to graduate
schools of interest

38

Winter, before beginning graduate program
in the fall
• Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid
(FAFSA) and Financial Aid PROFILE, if required.

Spring, before beginning graduate program
in the fall
• Check with all institutions before their deadlines to
make sure your file is complete
• Visit the institutions that accept you
• Send a deposit to your institution of choice
• Notify other colleges and universities that accepted
you of your decision, so they can admit students on
the waiting list
• Send thank you letters to people who wrote your
recommendation letters, informing them of your
success

Events are planned throughout the year to help students
with their career development needs, such as selecting a
major, preparing for the career expo, meeting employers
with current and future employment opportunities, and
more.

Event Descriptions
Employment Boot Camp: Career Services staff and/or
employers are available to critique resumes and offer
assistance with preparing an infomercial. Employers
at Boot Camp may also conduct practice interviews,
employer panels and more. This event is designed to
better prepare students for success at the Career Expo.
Career Expo: Held in the fall and spring, students meet
with employers and discuss career and employment
opportunities.
Statewide Job Fair: Held in the summer, students meet
with employers and discuss career and employment
opportunities.
Graduate and Professional Schools Fair: Students meet
with representatives of graduate, law and professional
schools nationally and abroad.
Graduate and Professional School Symposium: Graduate
students attend employment readiness seminars for all
graduate students on a variety of topics.
Education Career Fair: Held in the spring and fall, this
event provides the opportunity for district and private
schools to meet with UCF teacher candidates regarding
employment opportunities.
Majors Fair: Students explore the many academic areas
of study offered at UCF and meet faculty and advisors
representing these program areas.
Externship Program: Held during the winter and
spring breaks, students can shadow an employer in
their professional area of interest to learn more about
the career field, as well as the organizational culture,
products and services.
Rosen College of Hospitality Management Career Expo
and Experiential Learning Fair: Held in the fall and
spring, students meet with employers specifically in the
hospitality field at the Rosen College campus to discuss
internship, career and employment opportunities.
Contact us at 407-823-2361 or visit our website at
career.ucf.edu for specific dates and information about
upcoming events.

39

“The Career Services’ practice interview program is one of the golden
resources available to students on campus. I utilized this service for
both my UCF College of Medicine and Order of Pegasus interviews, and
without the advice I received from them, I would not have been nearly
as prepared or successful.”
Kumail Merchant
Biomedical Sciences
“The services offered at the Career Services Center have tremendously
helped me fine tune and perfect my personal statement for law school.
The genuine advice and critique that I was given about my statement
was a major factor that contributed to my five law school acceptances
and three full-scholarship offers.”
Nicole Barrera
Legal Studies
“The personal statement critique was an excellent resource during my
application process. With my counselor’s guidance, I was able to write
a personal statement that highlighted my strongest accomplishments
without hiding my personality. I was able to strike a perfect balance
between professional and personal.”